Team News Riveting
Raipur, February 26
Taking a leaf out of its 2018 election manifesto, Congress today declared to pay Rs 2800 for a quintal of paddy that would be procured from the farmers in the coming kharif marketing season.
The development added a crucial political significance as the higher paddy price had helped Congress to trounce the 15-year-rule of BJP in Chhattisgarh in 2018 state polls. The party had announced to pay Rs 2500 for a quintal in 2018.
The state would go to the polls later in the year and the increase in the paddy price would certainly give political mileage to the Congress. Besides the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of the Centre, the Chhattisgarh government had been paying the difference amount to the farmers under its ambitious scheme Rajiv Nyay Yojana to ensure the beneficiary gets Rs 2500.
The announcement to hike the price was made by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel at the mammoth rally and public meeting that marked the conclusion of three-day 85th National Convention of the Congress. Baghel said that the six important decisions were taken in the convention.
Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leaders Priyanka Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Selja Kumari, Ashok Gehlot, State President Mohan Markam and cabinet members are present at the public meeting.
Priyanka Gandhi while addressing the gathering said that she had come to Chhattisgarh for the first time. “I am very happy. Heard about the beauty and culture of the region from grandmother (Indira Gandhi). My family’s attachment is from here,” she said, adding that she went to Sirpur, saw the symbol of Buddhist, Shiva and tribal culture.
